Since its appearance in 2008, the Nareepol tree, an unusual fruit tree resembling a human, has captured the attention of people in Thailand and beyond. However, despite its intriguing nature, there has yet to be a satisfactory explanation for this phenomenon.
This peculiar plant goes by the name Nareepol or Nariphon. In the Thai language, “Naree” refers to a girl or woman, while “pol” is synonymous with plant or tree. Consequently, the residents affectionately refer to Nareepol as the woman tree. Its distinct charm lies in its truly extraordinary appearance. The tree bears a fruit that possesses an unparalleled resemblance to a nude girl, captivating all who lay eyes upon it with unabated intrigue.
The fame of this particular plant stems from a YouTube video posted by an individual named Tapas Das, showcasing the peculiar tree. This tree, known as Nareepol, thrives in the remote Phetchabun province of northern Thailand, approximately 500 km away from the bustling city of Bangkok. What makes this tree even more intriguing are the fascinating tales surrounding it. It is said that when a man or a boy touches the tree, its leaves tremble as though in protest. However, when a woman or a girl touches it, the tree strangely remains unaffected. These captivating rumors have captivated people’s attention, leaving them astounded and entertained upon encountering images of this plant on the internet. As the information about the Nareepol tree spread online, many people were taken aback and questioned its authenticity. Consequently, they embarked on a quest to uncover the truth. One such individual, a YouTuber named Guiller Espada, journeyed to Thailand and purchased the dried fruit believed to be from the Nareepol tree. Initially skeptical of its existence, Guiller’s curiosity was piqued after exploring further, prompting a scientific investigation into Nareepol. Many American scientists have ventured to this location to study and analyze the pollen contained within the “girl.” Yet, they have yet to determine the reason behind the peculiar shape of the fruit’s peel, adding to the enigmatic nature of the Nareepol tree.
Both scientists and Buddhists are intrigued by the Nareepol tree, as it is believed to hold a mysterious story. In Thai Buddhist mythology, there exists a tree called Nariphon, which grows in the enigmatic Himaphan forest, home to Buddhist communities. This unique tree only blossoms every two decades. Interestingly, its fruit takes the form of a young girl with an exquisite body, bearing a striking resemblance to the Nareepol tree shared by Tapas Das online. According to legend, the Supreme Buddha constructed a humble hut in the forest for Bodhisattva Vessantara, a renowned prince known for his compassion and his decision to renounce power and possessions in favor of embracing Buddhism. This hut provided a serene space for him, his wife, and their two children to meditate peacefully amidst the beauty of the surrounding nature.
When Vessantara’s wife ventured into the forest to gather fruit, she constantly faced the danger of being targeted by other Buddhist followers due to her exceptional beauty. She frequently encountered instances of teasing and harassment from these individuals. In order to protect Vessantara’s wife and ensure his peaceful meditation, Buddha Indra created twelve Nariphone trees that bore fruit resembling her exact appearance. As she ventured out to collect food, these trees would bear fruit in the shape of stunning young women. The intention behind this creation was to distract the other Buddhists, who harbored malicious intentions towards Vessantara’s wife. Vessantara would then gather the fruit from these Nariphone trees and bring it back to their home. Interestingly, these fruits possessed human-like internal organs but lacked bones. They had the ability to dance and possessed certain magical qualities. While those who had not yet transcended the worldly desires could enjoy the fruits, their uncontrolled lust would lead them to sleep for four months and lose all their powers thereafter. However, the existence of Nareepol or Nariphon remains a mystery, with no conclusive evidence to prove their reality. According to Thai folklore, after Vessantara and his family passed away, the Nareepol tree continues to bear fruit on a daily basis. These alluring Nareepol berries only remain fresh for a period of seven days, after which they wither and perish if left unselected. All these tales and legends passed down through generations leave the truth about the Nareepol or Nariphon tree shrouded in mystery, causing numerous doubts in the minds of all who hear them.
There continues to be skepticism surrounding the existence of Nareepol or Nariphon trees. Skeptics argue that the captivating images and videos circulating online are merely fabrications, questioning the authenticity of these trees. They assert that these visuals are cleverly manipulated through advanced technology to mislead viewers. On the other hand, some individuals propose an alternative theory – suggesting that the cultivator intentionally molded the exterior of a fruit to resemble the silhouette of a woman, thus creating the illusion of the Nareepol tree.
In spite of all circumstances, the captivating imagery of a fruit tree shaped like a woman continues to captivate and enthrall the public. This remarkable phenomenon has not gone unnoticed at the Singburi Buddhist temple in Luang Pho Jarun, Wat Αmpawan, which is located near Bangkok, Thailand. Here, people have chosen to preserve and venerate two dried bodies that are believed to be the withered fruits from the legendary nareepol tree. Consequently, the narrative surrounding this extraordinary “woman” tree remains unresolved, patiently awaiting a scientific explanation that is both reliable and logical.
